When I got saved I was reading a translation that worked at the time but wow was it out there. For example in Ephesians 6 the armor of God, The breastplate of righteousness was described as a piece of plastic, Seriously? Yup, seriously! But hey, again, it was the translation that got me to start reading the bible so I guess it really doesn’t matter. I’m not a reader, I get my information from watching and listening, maybe my biggest downfall.
When I was able to buy my first bible I got a NKJV (New King James version) which honestly for me wasn’t much better than the KJV (King James version). Today however, I am a fan of the NIV bible. New International version for me and my reading is the best … or is it?
I am shopping bibles and I came across a new (to me) translation called the CSB translation. This translation is almost standard on Holman Study bibles like the Rainbow study bible.
So what is this CSB?
The Christian Standard Bible aims to draw readers into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. By translating Scripture into the clearest possible modern English, the CSB allows readers to experience God’s Word at its fullest.
Developed by 100 scholars from 17 denominations, the Christian Standard Bible faithfully and accurately captures the Bible’s original meaning without compromising readability.
The CSB was created using Optimal Equivalence, a translation philosophy that balances linguistic precision to the original languages and readability in contemporary English. In the many places throughout Scripture where a word-for-word rendering is clearly understandable, a literal translation is used. When a word-for-word rendering might obscure the meaning for a modern audience, a more dynamic translation is used. This process assures that both the words and thoughts contained in the original text are conveyed as accurately as possible for today’s readers.
The CSB provides a highly accurate text for sermon preparation and serious study, translated from the biblical languages by scholars who love God’s Word. Yet it doesn’t compromise readability and clarity for those who may be less familiar with the traditional (and sometimes difficult) vocabulary retained in some translations. Research shows the CSB is both highly literal to the original languages and highly readable, achieving an optimal balance of the two.
Pastors and laypeople can read and share the Christian Standard Bible with confidence, knowing truth of God’s Word will be communicated effectively.
Source: Bible gateway
Which translation is for you?
So after I read that description on bible gateway (Awesome resource) I found some pictures of the scriptures and was able to read some stuff and I kinda like it.
Bible translations have to do two things, one be as authentic as possible and two, draw in the reader. I don’t knock any translation out there. Some are better than others for me, but its not about me or my opinion when it comes to getting closer to Christ through reading the bible is it?
I love Christian contemporary music, some people don’t though. I’ve even heard people claim its the devils music. Well how can Christian Contemporary music be of the devil if its bringing me closer to God? Again, what is working for me might not work for you and if the latin to English translation of the King James bible is what works for you, stick with it but if another translation works better for the guy next to you, don’t condemn them, at least they’re reading the Bible.